ส.อ.ท. หารือพรรคเพื่อไทย วางทิศทางอุตสาหกรรมไทยสู่อนาคตFTI Discusses with Pheu Thai Party on the Direction of Thai Industry Towards the Future

On December 24, 2025, Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), along with FTI executives, welcomed the executive team of the Pheu Thai Party led by Professor Dr. Yothachan Wong-sawat, Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Suriyapong Chiengruengkit, the party's election director, Dr. Prommin Lertsuriyadech, former Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Paepoom Rojanasakul, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Thitipong Kiewpaisarn, Advisor to the Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Seukasidd Srijomkwan, spokesman for the Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Pongsaran Atsawachaisophon, candidate for Pheu Thai Party's list MP, and Mr. Chatrin Janthom, candidate for Pheu Thai Party's list MP, for a meeting to discuss the direction of the Thai industrial sector at Passion Room (802), 8th floor of FTI.

Mr. Kriangkrai Theeranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), stated that the current Thai economy is likened to a “car stuck in a ditch,” requiring serious power and measures for recovery. This reflects the necessity of urgently driving tangible government policies to revive the economy, increase income, reduce expenses, tackle debt issues, enhance liquidity, and push the tourism sector to regain its position as the main engine of the country.

On this occasion, Mr. Kriangkrai presented significant challenges facing the Thai industrial sector, such as U.S. tax measures, dumping of products and export rights violations, geopolitical conflicts, border disputes, household and business debts, the strong Thai baht, impacts of climate change, as well as issues related to the grey business and cybercrime, including structural problems such as an aging society, middle-income traps, the education system, politics, unbalanced budgets, corruption, and outdated laws.

Additionally, he proposed a strategy to elevate Thai entrepreneurs to international standards through the “4GO” approach, which includes
   1) Go Digital & AI - enhance industries with digital technology and AI
   2) Go Innovation - cultivate “small but powerful” entrepreneurs through innovation
   3) Go Global - develop Thai products and services to expand opportunities in global markets
   4) Go Green - drive organizations towards sustainable development and adapt to the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The 4GO approach lies under the ONE FTI policy of FTI, aimed at enhancing Thai entrepreneurs' competitiveness by emphasizing collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and civil society to strengthen the economy and industry of the country.

Moreover, Mr. Kriangkrai also proposed national development goals in three main areas, including
1.  enhancing the country’s competitive capacity by aiming to elevate Thailand's competitiveness ranking into the IMD Top 20
2.  driving growth to achieve GDP expansion at the 5% level
3.  sustainable development to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 sooner than the original target.

At the same time, FTI has proposed strategies for developing the Thai industry in eight key areas, covering legal and regulatory reforms, workforce development and labor productivity, energy management, promoting exports and target industries, upgrading technology and innovation, sustainable industrial development, supporting SMEs, and developing infrastructure for logistics and industrial zones to enhance Thailand's competitive potential in the long term.

Additionally, FTI has presented the book “Reinvent Thailand,” which gathers recommendations for the government to adapt into actionable policies to collaboratively create a sustainable future for Thailand, with the private sector as the main driver, while the public sector supports and creates an environment conducive to adaptation, and the financial sector helps allocate resources efficiently.

Furthermore, FTI is ready to support six key sectors critical to Thailand's economy
•  Smart Electronics - the manufacturing base for mid-to-high-end electronics of the world's leading companies, with potential for upgrading to design and innovation bases
•  Automotive - the largest automotive manufacturing base in ASEAN and has a complete and robust supply chain, ready to expand into electric vehicle (EV) and smart vehicle component production
•  Retail & trading - a large wholesale and retail market catering to consumers of various income levels, distributed across all areas
•  Medical & Wellness - recognized internationally for service standards and has domestic advantages in producing medicines and medical supplies
•  Agri & Food Processing - equipped with agricultural raw materials and a complete supply chain from upstream to downstream, with opportunities for upgrading to high-value products
•  Tourism - diverse tourism attractions with cultural and culinary uniqueness, possessing potential to draw high-potential tourists.

These six sectors will play a vital role in the economy, employment, and SMEs, while also linking to New S-Curve industries with potential for creating added value.

“We want to see Thailand strong, where citizens can thrive. In the past, there may have been obstacles and a lack of systematic approaches. FTI thanks the Pheu Thai Party for considering our recommendations today, and we hope that feedback will be beneficial for drafting policies for further national development.

We are ready to work, assist, and support. We sincerely hope that with collaborative energy, we will truly be ONE TEAM, ONE THAILAND, turning crises into opportunities for the country,” said Mr. Kriangkrai.

Professor Dr. Yothachan Wong-sawat, Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate, discussed the party’s policies for driving the economy and industry, stating that “the Federation of Thai Industries is the first private organization that the Pheu Thai Party has met to discuss and gather insights on developing the Thai industry. Before becoming a prime ministerial candidate, I had worked closely with the industrial sector in my university role, and I had already researched data from all industry groups. The presented strategies from the Federation align with the party’s policies.”

Moreover, Professor Dr. Yothachan further stated that in driving the new growth engine to boost productivity, it is essential to utilize all forms of science and AI technology to support the industry amidst impacts from labor and an aging society, promote comprehensive transport and logistics systems, and upgrade to advanced manufacturing. The government will invest in License-in to procure core technology for the private sector. Technology transfer will require developing the skills of the Thai workforce to adapt to technology, as well as creating incentives or a one-stop service to attract global experts to share technology. All of this must be built on a solid foundation rather than merely addressing immediate issues.

However, driving the new engine is crucial, linking it with environmental aspects to align with sustainable development goals or SDGs and net zero, particularly in synthetic biology investments where Thailand has a comparative advantage to create value and transfer it to the private sector, as well as pushing for Green Premium products for green industries to have better competitiveness over polluting industries, enabling transformation and sustainable development. Additionally, creating opportunities and supporting small operators like SMEs and startups can link them with large companies.

“This meeting with the Federation of Thai Industries has significantly built confidence in our party, and many of the proposals we received will deepen our understanding of the industry, and I believe that Thailand can change for the better,” concluded Professor Dr. Yothachan.

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Published by the Corporate Communications Division, Federation of Thai Industries (Tel. 0-2345-1051)